BY NanM
“Johnny, are you sure you’re up for this?”
“What are you talkin’ about, Dix? Have you forgotten I’ve broken my leg before?”
“No.” With a little upward roll of her eyes, Dixie pushed the elevator button for the fourth floor. “No one around here is going to forget that for a long time. But…, that’s not what I mean.”
“Well, what do you mean? I know what to do. I can handle it.”
“Johnny....”
“...look, Dix. This is Roy we’re talkin’ about. Besides, I owe him. I mean, he’s always helped me when I’ve come home from the hospital. This is the least I can do for him. It’s only four days, and then Joanne and the kids will be home, and she can take over. It’s no big deal.”
“Right. No big deal.”
Johnny scratched his head in confusion. “Dixie, sometimes I don’t understand you.”
“Oh, you will, Johnny. You will.”
* * * * * * * *
It had taken a while to manuever up the stairs, but Roy was finally settled in his bedroom. With one last bit of flourish, Johnny plumped a pillow and slid it behind Roy’s head.
“All right. You comfortable?”
“Yeah.” Roy leaned forward, gesturing to Johnny to move the pillow down behind his shoulders. “It sure is good to be home in my own bed. Although, I’ll have to say it wasn’t so bad being in the hospital this time.”
“Yeah? You know, Roy. It... uh... it was kind of strange. All those nurses coming to see you off like that.”
“Yeah. It was kinda nice of them, wasn’t it? They really liked me.” Roy wagged a finger in Johnny”s direction. “You know, you should take lessons from me in how to be a model patient.”
“I don’t know. They... uh, they seemed kinda relieved that you were leaving.”
“Oh, I’m sure they were just relieved that I was doing so well. You know, they were really nice to me. I tried not to bother them too much. You know, with... little things.”
“Little things.” Johnny repeated, trying hard not to look suspicious. "What kind of little things?"
“Well, for instance, fluffing up my pillows like you did just now, or bringing me something to read. That’s why they have Candy Stripers. But, you know, the nurses didn’t seem to mind at all when I asked.”
Johnny brightened. How hard could it be to do those kind of little things? “Okay, well, you know you can ask me for anything. Anything at all. I’m here to help. All you have to do, is ask.”
“Well, in that case, do you think you’d mind making me some lunch? Something simple. I think I’d just like some soup. Would that be too much trouble?”
“Are you kidding?” Johnny wasn't sure why he had been feeling suspicious. That was a reasonable enough request. He was getting kind of hungry himself. “Are you sure that’s all you want?”
“That’s all. Soup would be good. Joanne always has plenty of it on hand. Just take your pick.”
“You want any kind in particular?”
“No. Doesn’t matter to me. Anything that sounds good to you.”
He turned on his heels, eager to do this simple task for his friend. “All right. Let me go get busy.”
“Johnny?”
“Yeah?”
“I really appreciate your staying here until Joanne gets home.”
Johnny shrugged off the thanks. It wasn’t necessary. “Hey, what are friends for, anyway? You’ve done the same for me. More than once.”
“I promise I won’t be too much trouble. You just make yourself at home.”
“Roy, I keep tellin’ you, it’s no trouble. Forget it. I’ll be back with your lunch in a few minutes. Now, you sure I can’t get you anything else?”
“No, just some soup.”
* * * * * * * *
“What’s this?” Roy looked at the bowl, then at Johnny.
“What do mean, what’s this?” Johnny leaned over and took a peek, thinking maybe there was a fly doing the backstroke in it, but all he saw was little bits of chicken floating on top. “It... it’s soup.”
“But, it’s chicken noodle soup.”
“Yeah? So?”
“I don’t like chicken noodle soup.”
“Wh-? You said.... Who doesn’t like chicken noodle soup?” Johnny’s voice went up a half-pitch, the way it always did when he got frustrated. “You never told me you didn’t like chicken noodle soup. Everyone eats chicken noodle soup when they’re sick.”
“I’m not sick,” Roy calmly corrected him. “I have a broken leg. And, I don’t like chicken noodle soup.”
“Oh. Well.” Thinking it over, Johnny frowned in puzzlement. “Then... why are there five cans of it in the cupboard?”
“Because the kids like it. Joanne likes it. I don’t.”
“All right. All right. Fine. I can take a hint. I’ll eat the chicken noodle soup and make you something else. What kind of soup DO you like?”
Roy handed the bowl back to Johnny with a smile. “Tomato. That’s my favorite. With a grilled cheese sandwich.”
“With a....” Johnny took a deep breath. “All right. I can do that.”
“Good. I mean, I don’t want to put you to any trouble. It’s just that I like to have a grilled cheese sandwich when I have tomato soup.”
“Oh, it’s no trouble. No trouble at all. That’s what I’m here for, you know.” Johnny started out of the room, mumbling under his breath about not knowing how someone couldn’t like chicken noodle soup. “I’ll just…, uh…, take this back to the kitchen and start over.”
“And, Johnny? Two slices of cheese on the sandwich. Make sure it melts real good, but don’t burn the bread, okay? I like it nice and brown, but not burnt. And slice it in half diagonally, not straight across. Joanne always does that for me.”
Johnny stopped in the doorway, feeling a little guilty for getting annoyed. After all, Roy had taken care of him a time or two. It’s just when he was hurt or sick, all he wanted was to be left alone, not pampered like some royal pain in the palace.
“Two slices of cheese, melted, don’t burn the bread, slice it diagonally. Anything else before I go?”
“No. That’s all. Except maybe....”
Johnny clenched his fingers around the bowl. “Except maybe, what?”
“Joanne always makes me chocolate milk when I have tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich.”
“Chocolate milk? With tomato soup? Roy, I.... Never mind. Two slices of cheese, melted, don’t burn the bread, slice it diagonally, and chocolate milk. Got it.”
“Johnny?”
“Yeah?”
“Could you hurry up a little? I’m kinda hungry. Oh, and Johnny?”
Johnny hesitated for a second before answering. “Yes, Roy?”
“Could you be sure to put a straw in the glass for me? I like to drink chocolate milk through a straw. Jo....”
“...Yeah, I know. Joanne always does that for you.”
“She’s quite a woman. Sometimes I don’t know what I’d do without her.”
Johnny sighed in resignation. “I’m beginning to see what you mean, Roy. I’m startin’ to feel the same way.”
* * * * * * * *
“Johnny, you don’t have to sit here with me twenty-four hours a day. I’m fine. As a matter of fact, I think I’m going to take a little nap right now.” Roy snuggled down in the bed as best he could. “Got kind of used to sleeping when I was in the hospital.”
“What if you need something?” Like another drink of water, or another pillow, or the blinds closed, or the blinds not closed so much, or....
“Tell you what. There’s a little bell on the dresser in Jennifer’s room. When the kids are sick, Joanne leaves it on the night stand, and whenever they need her, they just ring the bell.”
“A bell.” Kinda like the bell that was ringing about what Dixie had said? “All right. I guess that’ll work. You sure you... you don’t mind if I go downstairs, then?”
“No, not at all. Like I said, I’m just going to take a nap. You go ahead.”
“And, if you need anything, you’ll just... ring the bell, right?”
“Right. What are you gonna do?”
Johnny stood up and stretched his back, avoiding the appearance of making a hasty exit. “I brought a couple of books I’ve been wanting to read. Just haven’t had the time lately, what with working three overtime shifts this month, and hanging around the hospital off-and-on the last four days keeping you company. It’ll be kinda nice to just relax and put my feet up and read for a change.”
“Oh.” Roy’s face fell.
“What do you mean, oh?”
“Well. It’s just that I.... Never mind.”
“It’s just that you what?”
“No. It’s nothing. Nothing. I… I just thought maybe you’d get kind of bored sitting around all day. I know how you hate to just sit.”
Johnny was beginning to get the feeling he was being manipulated, but bit his tongue.“And....”
“Well, I sort of promised Joanne that while she was gone, I’d weed her rose garden, and paint the dog house. But, it’s okay. She’ll understand. I mean, after all, I am going to be laid up with this cast on for another four weeks or so.”
“Weed the rose garden.” Johnny reminded himself he wasn’t here to relax for four days. No, Roy needed him, and he’d insisted it was noooo problem. “All right. I can do that. You have the paint for the dog house?”
“No, really, Johnny. You don’t have to do it. Go ahead and read. Maybe I can get one of the neighborhood kids to come over. You know, they’re always looking for ways to earn some spending money.”
“Roy. I said I’ll do it. You’re right. I’d just get bored sitting around anyway. It’s a nice day to be outside. I can read later.”
“Well, if you’re sure it’s no trouble. You know where everything is in the garage, right? I think there’s some paint stripper in there, too.”
“Stripper?” Johnny grabbed a pillow and fluffed it with more than a little flourish this time, before handing it back to Roy.
“Yeah, well, you can’t just paint over the old paint on the dog house. You have to strip it first, then paint it.”
“Uh-huh. Roy?”
“Yeah?”
“Why don’t you....” Johnny swallowed the comment he really wanted to make, and softened his tone. “Why don’t you take your nap now.”
* * * * * * * *
“Where have you been? I’ve been ringing this bell for twenty minutes.”
Johnny put his hands on his hips while he caught his breath. “I’ve been outside, Roy. Weeding the rose garden. Stripping the paint off the dog house. Remember?”
“Oh, yeah. What… uh… what happened to your arm there? It’s bleeding.”
Johnny dabbed at the blood dribbling from a long scratch with a kleenex, failing to hide the irritated look on his face. “Well, let’s just say... me and a... a rose bush didn’t get along too well.”
“Looks like the rose bush won.”
“I wouldn’t say that. I hope it wasn’t one of Joanne’s favorites.”
Roy looked a little panic-stricken. “Just as long as it wasn’t the big, tall one with the dark red roses. That’s her pride and joy.”
“Roy?”
“Yeah?”
Johnny tried to sound casual. “How... uh, how late is the garden shop open?”
“Johnny, you didn’t?”
“Well, you let me worry about that. What did you need?”
“What did I need?”
What did I need? I practically break my neck getting up the stairs, and you ask.... Johnny pointed to the bell. He was wondering if Jennifer would notice if the little clapper mysteriously vanished. “You said you’ve been ringing the bell for twenty minutes.”
“Oh, that. I… uh… I need to… you know....”
“You need me to help you…?” Johnny looked disgusted when it dawned on him. Waiting on him -- hand and foot -- was one thing, but this was going way above and beyond the call of duty. “Roy, you’ve got a broken leg, not a broken arm.”
“No, Johnny. I can handle that myself. You left my crutches downstairs. I need you to get my crutches, and then help me get out of bed. The rest I can do myself.”
“Oh.” So, he was jumping to conclusions. “Well. Sorry about that. I’ll go get them and be right back.”
“And, Johnny?”
“Yeah?”
“Can you hurry it up? It’s been twenty minutes.”
* * * * * * * *
Johnny poked his head around the corner. He was actually there without being summoned by the bell. “Hey, Roy? You awake?”
“Yeah, I’m just reading this book you loaned me. It’s pretty good. You know, you should read it sometime.”
“I’d love to. Uh, Roy. That paint you told me to use didn’t have a label on it. What kind of paint was it?”
“I don’t know. Just something I’ve had around for a while. I don’t remember what I used it for before. Why?”
“I’m not sure, but I-I think maybe I’m having an allergic reaction to it. I’ve kind of got these big, red blotches all over.” Johnny reached down to scratch his leg. Big mistake. “You know, they’re... they’re really starting to itch.”
“Uh-oh.”
“Uh-oh?” Johnny didn’t like the sound of that.
“Yeah.” Roy idly scratched the side of his face, then gave Johnny a peculiar look. “Now I remember why I haven’t used the paint again. I meant to get rid of it. I had the same problem a few years ago.”
“Now you remember?” His voice skipped right over the half-pitch to a full pitch higher.
“Johnny, you…, uh…, you better go to the drug store.”
“The drug store?” He was beginning to think there was an echo in this particular room.
“I don’t think we have any benadryl or calamine lotion in the house. You’re gonna need both.”
He was determined not to get upset. After all, Roy had never complained about helping him.
“All right, Roy. While I’m there, I’ll pick up some antiseptic for my arm. The scratch is startin’ to look kinda red. Do you need anything?”
“No. No, I’m fine.”
“You’re sure this time? I don’t wanna have to go back.”
“No, I’m sure. Uh…, Johnny?”
“Yeah?”
“I think you’d better hurry. If I remember right, the itching gets really bad.”
* * * * * * * *
Johnny stumbled into the room, thinking Roy had fallen or something. “What... what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Roy was sitting up in bed with the light on. “Did I wake you?”
Johnny just stared at him. “Roy. It’s three AM. You were ringing... the... bell.” Those last words were carefully enunciated.
“Are you feeling all right, Johnny? Except for all those red blotches, you look kinda pale.”
Johnny sighed, and tiredly rubbed his eyes. “Roy, I’ve downed at least a half a bottle of benadryl to stop the itching. I finally fell asleep an hour ago, and now I’m not sure I can keep my eyes open for long. But, it’s okay. What did you need?”
“I’m kind of hungry. You know how I like to munch when I can’t sleep.”
“You’re hungry.”
“Yeah. Sort of. Would you mind getting me something? Joanne....”
“...I know.” Johnnny sighed in exasperation, wondering how he was going to survive three more days of this. “Joanne likes to munch, too. Well, now that I’m awake, I guess I don’t mind. What would you like?” He felt a little light-headed, but didn’t want to say anything. Roy, after all, was the one with the broken leg.
“You know, Johnny, you don’t look too good. Why don’t you go back to bed, and I’ll just wait until morning.”
“Roy. I’m awake now. I don’t know if I’ll be awake in the morning. What do you want?”
“Well, if you’re sure you don’t mind.... Some popcorn sounds good.”
“Popcorn,” Johnny said flatly. “You want popcorn.” There was that damned echo again.
“Yeah. We have some Jiffy Pop Popcorn. You know, the stuff in that little aluminum skillet that you just....”
“...I know what it is, Roy.” He didn’t realize how hard his teeth were clenched when he said that.
“Well, you don’t have to get so grouchy. I told you to go back to bed.”
“I’m not....” Johnny guiltily relented again. “I’m not grouchy. Just a little tired, is all. I’ll go make your popcorn.” He stopped again before leaving the room, knowing better now. “I suppose you want something to drink, too?”
“I think there’s some root beer in the refrigerator. I’ll have some root beer. If it’s not too much....”
“...It’s no trouble, Roy. I don’t mind a bit.” Muttering under his breath, he added, “That’s what I keep tellin’ myself anyway.”
“What? You seem to be mumbling a lot. You sure you’re feelin’ okay?”
“I’m fine. Fine. Jiffy Pop and root beer. At three AM. No problem.”
“You know, Johnny, you should put some more antiseptic on your arm. That scratch must’ve been pretty deep. It’s starting to look kind of purple.”
“Yeah. Let me get your snack, then I’ll do that. If I can stay awake long enough, that is.”
“Johnny?”
“Yes, Roy?” His back noticeably stiffened.
“Thanks.”
Johnny forced a smile. “Anytime, Roy. Anytime.”
* * * * * * * *
“Johnny! Something’s burning! Johnny?”
CRASH!
“Johnny!?”
“Ow! It… it’s okay, Roy. The… uh… the fire’s out. No… no damage. I’ll be up in a minute. I just gotta open a couple of windows. Let the smoke out.”
“Do I need to call the fire department?”
There was a long silence, like when someone counts to ten. In this case, more like twenty. Or thirty.
“No, you don’t need to call the fire department. I handled it. Ow!”
“Johnny, is everything all ri....”
“Everything’s fine, Roy. You don’t have to shout.”
“What happened?”
“I, uh…, I sat down at the kitchen table to wait for the popcorn to start popping. I guess I… I guess I fell asleep. I kinda forgot to take the cardboard lid off first. Man, that stuff sure can burn.” Johnny idly looked at the u-shaped blister forming on the palm of his hand, wondering why he wasn't feeling any pain. All he felt was a little... spacey. “Sorry about your snack. I… uh....”
“Johnny, are you all right? You look awfully pale.”
“Yeah. I just need to… uh… I just need to.... Roy? I think I’m gonna....”
* * * * * * * *
His eyes slowly focused on a familiar face. “Dix? What are you doin’ here?”
“Roy called me. Where else would I be?”
“Um… I don’t know.”
“Do you know where you are, Johnny?”
“I’m not at Roy’s house, am I?”
“No.”
“Good.” He relaxed for the first time in... however long it had been.
“Not so good.”
“Am I at Rampart?”
“No. But you are in a hospital. How are you feelin’?”
Johnny lifted his head, then dropped it back to the pillow with a groan. “Ask me again tomorrow.”
“I’m going to go call Roy and let him know you’re awake. He was pretty worried. He had to call the paramedics when you passed out.”
“Oh. Yeah. I sorta remember that.”
Dixie touched his arm lightly in sympathy. “The doctor said he’ll probably release you sometime this afternoon. You overdosed on benadryl, but it looks like your hives are disappearing, and with the antibiotics, the infection in your arm should clear up. He wants to make sure your lungs are clear before he lets you go. Roy said you probably inhaled some smoke when you tried to burn down his house.”
“I didn’t....”
“I’m just kidding, Johnny. Joanne came home early, after all, so Roy wants you to know you’re welcome to stay at their place until you’re feeling better.”
Disregarding his headache, Johnny sat up quickly. “Oh, no. Oh, no, I’m going home. You know, Dix. I didn’t know helping someone with a broken leg could be so hazardous to my health. I didn’t even last twenty-four hours. Was I… am I that much trouble when I’m laid up?”
“Johnny, I tried to warn you. Compared to Roy, you’re a pussy cat.”
“Yeah? A pussy cat, huh?”
“Well, don’t look so disappointed.”
“I’m not disappointed. I wouldn’t want to be like Roy. Man, I don’t know how Joanne stands it. I just… I… uh, Dix?”
“Yes, Johnny?”
Johnny smiled innocently. If it worked for Roy, it would work for him, no? “Would you… would you mind fluffing my pillow for me? If it’s not too much trouble?” Pleased with himself, he watched Dixie plump up the pillow. Maybe Roy had been right about taking lessons.
Or not.
Johnny laid back without a struggle, as the pillow pressed over his face.
Some days, he just couldn’t win.
